Eyebright Benefits

With vitamins and beta-carotenes, antioxidants and alkaloids, and host of astringent properties, the herb eyebright has been used in medicine for centuries. But there is one particular area in which this herb has been the undisputed leader, which is, as its very name makes it apparent, in the treatment and prevention of a significant number of ailments related to the eye. In fact, it is often considered to be the best antidote for any eye related disorder. But because it has a wide range of beneficial compounds eyebright can and is also used to treat a host of other common ailments. However, caution is advised when using eyebright, especially when using it on the eye, as sometimes it can lead to some side effects. Eyebright, unlike a majority of herbs, bears beautiful flowers and so can be cultivated as beautiful garden plants. Even the petals of its flowers can provide excellent medicinal benefits. To know more on what all benefits that you can find from this herb continue pursuing this article.

Benefits Of Eyebright

• It is used to treat the inflammation of the eyes. Various types of eye inflammation like ophthalmia, blepharitis, and stye can be effectively treated by using an eyebright tea as a compress. To make this tea, boil one teaspoon of eyebright herb in one and a half cup of water for ten minutes. Then drain the leaves using a fine strainer and allow the tea to cool. Take a cotton pad and dampen it in the tea and put it on the eye three to four times every day.
• Other eye ailments like conjunctivitis, weeping eye, cataracts, blood shot and strained eyes can be alleviated by washing the eyes with an eyebright tincture. Take two cups of cool water and add five to eight drops of eyebright tincture. You can also boil one teaspoon of eyebright herb in one and a half cup of water. Now strain the liquid in a bowl of rose water. Every four hours wash the eyes with this solution to control the symptoms of eye infection.
• Eyebright is known for its antibacterial and astringent properties. Therefore eyebright can also be used to treat acne and skin irritation. The best way to relieve skin problems is to wash the skin with eyebright tea or apply it on the skin as a poultice. Crush two handfuls of eyebright leaves and flower petals and apply it on the skin. Leave it for twenty minutes and then remove. Wash the skin in the morning. You can also wash the skin with a cotton pad soaked in eyebright tea or tincture. Eyebright oil makes for an excellent face moisturizer that can be applied at night and washed off in the morning.
• Eyebright can also be used to treat various allergies and respiratory problems like cold, cough, stuffy nose and sinusitis. This is because eyebright contains the natural astringent tannins which tighten the mucus membrane. The herb is also rich in flavonoids that defend the body against such ailments. When suffering from problems like these it is recommended to take eyebright tea two to three times a day until the symptoms subside.
• Another important benefit of eyebright is that it can improve the cognitive performance and memory. Since eyebright contains flavanoids and beta-carotene, a regular dose of eyebright tea or powder can improve gradual memory loss.
• Eyebright tea or tincture can help detoxify the liver and protect it from damage if taken regularly. However, this herb should not be taken as a solution to alcoholism. Liver damage through alcohol can only be treated with this herb only if alcohol is avoided and a proper diet is taken.